Letter: Thanks to 911 telecommunicators

Published: Friday, April 19, 2013 5:30 a.m. CDT

To the Editor:

In 1991, Congress proclaimed the second full week of April to be dedicated to recognize and honor those who serve as public safety telecommunicators. We encourage everyone to take some time this week to recognize these often overlooked men and women who answer your calls for help and assistance.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch Center is seldom seen by the public and often taken for granted. The center is staffed with professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and its employees are dedicated to assist you in the event of any emergency.

Dispatchers are trained to be a calming influence and obtain critical information before dispatching police, firefighters or medical units. They are the vital link in getting emergency help where it is needed most.

Few jobs are as stressful as that of a 911 telecommunicator because the number of emergency decisions they must make during the course of a normal eight-hour shift, but few jobs are as personally rewarding. Except for the satisfaction they feel knowing they were able to provide help when needed most and that they were responsible for making a difference in someone’s life, the rewards and recognition are usually few and far between.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office would like to publicly recognize and thank not only our own, but all Public Safety Telecommunicators for their long hours, dedication, perseverance and courage in performing one of the most difficult and important jobs in this community.